Are you on the hunt for a great set of PBT keycaps to spruce up your keyboard? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our comprehensive buying guide reviews some of the top choices available, such as HyperX Pudding Keycaps, Glorious Aura V2 and Akko Double-Shot PBT Keycaps. We also discuss what factors are important when selecting new keycaps, like keycap profiles, layout sizes and why PBT is truly the best material. So if it’s time for an upgrade – read on to find out which set is perfect for you!
HyperX Pudding Keycaps
The HyperX Pudding Keycaps are the perfect way to take your mechanical gaming keyboard to the next level. Featuring a dual-layer design, these keycaps let more light through and make your RGB lighting look even brighter. The signature HyperX font ensures maximum visibility on each individual key, while an included stylish keycap removal tool was made specifically for use with HyperX keyboards. Get ready to transform your gaming setup with this awesome upgrade!
These caps have the added bonus of being made from durable PBT material, making them resistant to wear and friction over time. Plus, they feature a larger font size that makes them easier to read and type, with a surface texture that feels better than some other options in this price range. Unfortunately, there are no alternate keys included or any alternate layout keys compatible with this set, which may mean some of the letters/numbers don’t get as much light shining through them compared to other keys on your keyboard. Still, if you’re after reliable pbt caps at an affordable price then these are definitely worth considering!”
Glorious Aura V2
The Glorious Aura V2 is the perfect way to upgrade your mechanical keyboard and make it stand out from the crowd. The keycaps are made of high-quality PBT plastic, which is resistant to wear, friction, and solvents. The clear legends with transparent sides let more light through for more vibrant RGB lighting. This 145 key pudding keycap layout is compatible with GMMK Regular/PRO and most keyboard sets, giving you plenty of options for customization. In addition, the updated font compared to Glorious Aura V1 gives you even more compatibility with layouts featuring a standard bottom row.
When it comes to usability, these keycaps provide a nice textured feel when typing and they’re actually quieter than their predecessors. Plus, thanks to its nicely arranged package that fits keyboards perfectly, installation is a breeze! One downside is that some icon choices may not be preferred by everyone as well as the quality of iconography not being great on certain keys like PgUp/PnDn; however this isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker if you aren’t looking for perfection.
Overall, if you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing set of pbt keycaps at an affordable price point then the Glorious Aura V2 should definitely be on your list!
Akko Double-Shot PBT Keycaps
The Akko Double-Shot PBT Keycaps are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a complete keycap set for their 75% keyboard. The set comes with 158 keys in the Akko SA profile and is compatible with MX structure switches from Cherry, Gateron, Akko and Kailh. For those who want to customize their keyboards, this keycap set provides strong flexibility for personalization due to its various layouts such as 61-key (60%), 68-key (65%), 84-key (75%), 87-key (TKL), 98-Key (Classic 1800), 100-Key (96%) and full 108-key size. Aesthetically speaking, the keycaps have been inspired by the symbolic color palette of Los Angeles which makes them vibrant and unique while also providing a comfortable typing experience by matching the height of OEM profile while maintaining the aesthetics and spheric top of classic SA profile.
In terms of durability, double shot PBT material makes these keycaps extremely resistant to wear even after decades of use. And thanks to this material, legends appear particularly sharp with high contrast making them suitable even without backlighting. On the other hand, these caps might not be compatible with split keyboards or come with a 2U shift key but overall they offer great value for money considering all that you get in one package.
YMDK White Black Dolch Thick PBT 84 68 64 Blank Keyset
The YMDK White Black Dolch Thick PBT 84 68 64 Blank Keyset is a great choice for gamers who want maximum quality in their keycaps. Crafted with thick and durable PBT material, they are highly-durable and boast an eye-catching dark coloring that gives them a luxurious feel. Plus, the keys are taller than usual, so you’ll enjoy a more comfortable typing experience.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides. Shipping times can be lengthy due to international shipping requirements, and you may need to arrange the caps into columns or they can feel slightly strange under your fingers when typing. Additionally, its single red ESC key is translucent which might not work well with LED lighting effects on keyboards. Despite these drawbacks though, this product offers an unbeatable typing experience backed by superior PBT material and design features.”
HK Gaming Chalk
The HK Gaming Chalk keycap set is a great option for gamers looking to upgrade their keyboard without breaking the bank. In fact, it’s one of the best keycaps for gaming in 2023. The keycaps are made from extra thick PBT material, making them fade resistant and more durable than ABS plastic caps. They also feature a Cherry profile which makes them more comfortable for long periods of typing. Additionally, the set includes 139 included keys and is compatible with 100%, 75%, 65% and 60% form factor keyboards as well as ANSI US and ISO UK layouts.
In terms of feel, color, and sound these keycaps offer good performance. However, it should be noted that they are clones rather than authentic models so quality may not be suitable for everyone’s needs. There’s also no texture on the surface and the finishing and legends can leave something to be desired – edges can be rough while legends may look smudged or indistinct up close. Finally, two keys (2 & 3) don’t quite match the number row in terms of alignment which could cause confusion when typing quickly.
Overall though, the HK Gaming Chalk offers a great value for gamers looking to get an upgrade over stock keycaps or those who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a premium model. The thicker PBT material ensures better durability while still providing a pleasant touch experience at an affordable price point – perfect for someone who wants quality pbt keycaps without breaking the bank!
GTSP 61 Keycaps
For any gamer seeking a high-quality PBT keycap set, the GTSP 61 Keycaps provide an ideal choice. Compatible with most 60% mechanical keyboards such as GK61 and SK61 models, these ANSI 61 layout keycaps boast a crystal clear design which enhances RGB lamp effects while delivering reliable wear resistance courtesy of their shot injection PBT construction. The legible legends also add to the visual appeal of the keyboard.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks: Some darker keys may suffer from color discrepancies; plus, the plastic quality is not quite up to par for gaming applications. Furthermore, users must exercise caution when utilizing the included cap remover lest it scratch or damage the caps.
In spite of those minor issues, these GTSP 61 Keycaps offer remarkable value for money due to their excellent build quality and eye-catching colors that make your keyboard stand out from the pack.”
Novelkeys Cherry Notion
If you’re looking for a great quality keyboard with Cherry profile keycaps made from durable PBT plastic, the Novelkeys Cherry Notion is definitely worth considering. Not only does its 1.5mm thick construction offer longevity and durability, but it also features handmade icons and font designed by biip that adds a unique touch to the overall aesthetic. MX compatible, this keyboard allows for easy customization according to your gaming needs, while its PBT Dyesub material provides an excellent tactile feel when typing or gaming over long hours without feeling any fatigue in your hands or wrists. There are some minor drawbacks such as not being able to customize its RGB lighting, but overall this is one of the best options on the market today.
Buying Guide: The Best PBT Keycaps for Your Mechanical Keyboard
Keycap Profiles: What You Need to Know
When shopping for a keycap set for your mechanical keyboard, it’s important to consider the profile shape. The most popular profiles are OEM, Cherry, DSA, XDA, and SA. Each profile has its own unique shape and feel that can drastically impact how comfortable and enjoyable typing is on your keyboard. OEM is often considered the standard profile as it was first used on IBM’s Model M keyboard from the 1980s. Cherry profile is similar to OEM but with slightly rounded edges for improved ergonomics. DSA is a medium-height, uniform profile that reduces typing fatigue while providing uniform-sized keys. XDA is a short keycap profile with a spherical top that look great while providing an excellent typing experience. Finally, keycaps with the SA profile are taller and have a curved and angled top which provides an excellent combination of comfort and style.
Layout Sizes: Find Your Perfect Fit
The next factor to consider when choosing a PBT keycap set is the layout size of your keyboard’s keys – this will determine if the set you choose fits correctly or not. Common sizes include 40%, 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL (tenkeyless), and full-size designs. If you’re unsure about what size you need or your keyboard doesn’t have any labels indicating its size, measure the distance between two keys in rows or columns and compare it with online measurements.
Switch Stem Types: A Necessary Consideration
In addition to layout size and profile shape when selecting a PBT keycap set for your mechanical keyboard, you must also take into account the type of switch stems used – these are what connect the keys to their switches underneath your board. Common switch stem types include Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron, Otemu, Zeal, NovelKeys and more – research online or ask someone who might have done this kind of upgrade before if possible in order to find out which type your board uses without opening it up yourself. You can also read more about if keycaps are universal.
Choosing The Right Material: Opting For PBT
The best material in terms of quality and longevity when it comes to keycaps is undoubtedly PBT plastic – this type of plastic holds up well against wear-and-tear as well as weather conditions like humidity or heat without becoming brittle over time like ABS plastic can do; they retain their shape better over time while providing excellent tactile feedback during typing sessions due to their thick structure quality and textured surface feel. For a more detailed comparison between the two types of plastics, you can check out this article about ABS vs PBT keycaps.
To summarize the buying guide – picking out the best PBT keycap set for your mechanical keyboard requires careful consideration of several factors including profile shape; layout size; switch stem type; as well as material durability and texture feel preferences . With so many options available in today’s market it’s important to take all these factors into account before making any final decisions on which set best suits your individual needs! If you would like to learn more about choosing the right keycaps for your keyboard, check out our guide to keycaps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when shopping for a PBT keycap set for your mechanical keyboard, it’s important to consider the profile shape, layout size, switch stem type and material quality. The most popular profile shapes are OEM, Cherry, DSA, XDA and SA. As for size layouts common sizes include 40%, 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL (tenkeyless), and full-size designs. Additionally, there are several switch stem types available such as Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron etc., so make sure you research which one your board uses. Finally when it comes to material PBT plastic is widely considered the best choice due to its durability and tactile feel; this should be taken into account before making any final decisions on what keycap set suits your individual needs.